New Blood Oranges

A BRITISH research laboratory has developed a GM seedling citrus fruit bringing together the best of ‘Valencia late’ and varieties of blood orange. The experiment, which has already generated some plantlets, now continues in the laboratories of the Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones.

The goal: to achieve a juicy orange which is rich in anthocyanins, antioxidant substances which are considered useful in preventing strokes, diabetes and obesity. The problem with existing blood oranges is that they need cold to produce the red colour, it is hoped that the new variety can be stimulated to produce the pigment when grown in the warm orange growing areas of Valencia.